7.1MYTH: The National Popular Vote plan is defective because it does not require an absolute majority of the popular vote to win.

QUICK ANSWER:

Under the current system of electing the President, there is no requirement that the winner receive an absolute majority of the national popular vote to win the White House. Fourteen Presidents have been elected with less than a majority of the popular vote.

An absolute majority of the statewide popular vote is not necessary to win any state’s electoral votes under the current system.

The National Popular Vote plan reflects the nation’s consensus that the winner of an election should be the candidate who receives the most popular votes (that is, a plurality of the votes).

MORE DETAILED ANSWER:

Tara Ross, an opponent of the National Popular Vote compact, objects to the compact by saying:

“The compact contemplated by [the National Popular Vote bill] would give the presidency to the candidate winning the ‘largest national popular vote total.’ Note that it says the ‘largest’ total.’ It is not looking for a majority winner.”